WINC August 2018 by Log Cabin Democrat

womensinc.net

AUGUST 2018

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BACK IN THE SADDLE

NAnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen

FAITH IN SCHOOLS

Creating a future

A closer look at ADHD

A LOOK BACK

PUBLISHER’S LETTER The White Stripes have a song that speaks to my August feelings. “We Are Going to be Friends” was recorded in 2001, and if you haven’t heard it, you should play it for your kiddos on the first day, maybe even on the ride, to school. Going back to school after a summer of long days and outdoors and family time is a challenge, especially that first week or two, when schedules and sanity are pushed to the brink. But for our children, there is added stress. Will they fit in? Will they make new friends? What will happen this school year that will define the future? My oldest begins middle school this month. Middle. School. And on top of that, she will attend a school with new people. We moved over the summer so she will go to a school where she only knows a few. We’re lucky. At least two administrators and one teacher are close friends of the family, so she has some adults keeping an eye out. But the rest of it — the new friendships she builds and the new courses she charts — will all be on her own. I am a believer in independence. She will be armed with the tools we provide at home such as putting God first, basic rules of kindness, hard work and responsibility. But beyond that, she will have to spark up conversations, pay attention, set her boundaries and work hard. She’ll decide what activities make her happy. It’s hard for us moms to let go, but little by little, it is necessary. My youngest has one more year of preschool before he ships off to kindergarten, so this time next year, I’m sure there will be slightly more wailing and gnashing of teeth on my part. But again, to everything there is a season. And life does go on, no matter how we try to dig our heels in.

There’s a bright side, though. We get to witness our children grow and become who they are meant to be. We watch them make choices we are proud of, we watch them make mistakes that punch us in the gut and we watch them make a future for themselves and the rest of the world. That process is tough for us parents, but there’s a lot of pride wrapped up in their personal growth, too. As WINC. Magazine attempts to reach as many people in our community as possible, we look this month on certain aspects of this time of year. Some are fun and out of the ordinary. Melissa Gates writes a cover story about a elementary teacher with a special hobby. The Majestic Mama Andrea Champlin explains a personal challenge with her school-age daughter and how her family found solutions. Reporter Brody Arnold talks faith-based, student-led, programs in schools and how young people find their own way to address conflict, pressure and prayer. So as you pack up backpacks for another year, WINC. Magazine will be right here with you. How many days again until Christmas break? “Well here we are, no one else We walked to school all by ourselves There’s dirt on our uniforms From chasing all the ants and worms We clean up and now it’s time to learn …” — The White Stripes

Publisher Kelly Sublett Contributing Writers Brody Arnold Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates – Cover Story Marisa Hicks Kelly Sublett Photographers Ron Beckman Andrea Champlin Wy Hawkins – Cover Story Kelly Sublett Art Director Jay Prince Advertising Sales Director Lisa Licht Advertising Sales Executives Bobby Eller Crystal Geraldson Leigh Anne Gray

Kelly

Editorial Board Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates Lisa Licht Jay Prince Kelly Sublett

My junior year of high school friends snapped this shot during a blackout. We were bored and in the hallway. I like it. It speaks to the ones who made me laugh and cry and helped me make memories. These friendships were important then and are important now. In some ways, these gals helped shape who I am.

Questions or Comments? Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: WINC@thecabin.net or write to: 1111 Main Street, Suite 102, Conway, AR, 72032 www.womensinc.net

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1st Grade Teacher Returns to Saddle Club Rein:

Not Her First

Rodeo by Melissa Gates

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You probably have mixed feelings about school starting so soon. As a mom of three I know I do. But Anita Mathis has never been more ready. Not only does she return from summer break to lead a classroom full of first graders at Julia Lee Moore Elementary; but she’s also returning to lead the Faulkner County Saddle Club.You see, just as much as her students need her, so does the club. Mathis is on a mission to bring rodeo back to its heyday in Faulkner County. Participation has fallen to an all-time low; and the facilities are falling apart. Mathis says, “Research has proven that the more we can do to expose children to horses, the more we are doing to invoke a positive influence on society. I have had the opportunity to see these benefits first hand in my own daughter and in the youth I served at the Don Owens Arena.” After serving as Saddle Club President nearly 10 years ago Mathis returns to the position with an eagerness to bring more kiddos into the sport. She loves being the ‘pit crew’

for her child riders. “I believe one of the best ways to build character is to pair a child with a horse. I am addicted to smiling kids. When the kids leave a lesson or a competition with a smile on their face, I am paid in full for a hard day’s work,” she says. However, the work is becoming much harder as the rodeo arena, behind the Don Owen Sports Complex, falls apart. Mathis, her husband, and other Saddle Club volunteers have been the only ones maintaining it for years. The restroom doors are falling off, the paint is chipped, stables are overgrown, and lighting doesn’t work. Mathis says fixing the electrical and the restrooms are the first priority; especially since the arena also serves as a lay-over place for people travelling through Arkansas headed to other state events with their horses. “We are very fortunate to have such a large arena. As with any facility there are always repairs and improvements to be made. Most of these are accomplished through many volunteer

“Research has proven that the more we can do to expose children to horses, the more we are doing to invoke a positive influence on society.”

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hours of our dedicated members. We have spent countless hours repairing barns, bathrooms, and lighting at the arena.” Steve Ibbitson, the city’s Parks and Rec Director, says, “It needs improvements, without a doubt. It’s usable but it’s not putting our best foot forward.” The city does the mowing and pays the utility bills but the Saddle Club handles upkeep and repairs. Ibbitson said the city will look into helping fix the lighting but doesn’t have the budget or the staff to run the arena or make all the repairs. “I don’t see any issue with lending a hand; but we can’t run it,” he says. Meantime, he’d love to see the facility in better shape and more families involved in the sport. He says, “It would be fun for more citizens to participate in activities there or come watch.” Ibbitson stands ready to help the Saddle Club members apply for grants to make upgrades and improvements. “I will do whatever I can. It’d be such a positive impact in the city,” he says. Updating the arena would go beyond just helping the rodeo crowd; it could potentially launch an equine therapy program with Imagination Station & On-Track Therapy. Equine therapy is also referred to as ‘horse therapy’ or ‘hippotherapy.’ Jenny Jolley, certified occupational therapist and owner of Imagination Station

& On-Track Therapy, says, “Equine assisted therapy is used to treat patients challenged with everything from cerebral palsy and autism, to simple strengthening as part of physical therapy. For Conway moms and dads: it means connecting the kid that would not ordinarily have access to the crazy cool benefits of horseback riding.” Jolley and Mathis are working to co-write a grant that will address the necessary arena repairs while installing accessibility for riders with unique needs. Jolley says, “With the long-standing history of Conway’s arena and convenient location for local families, this seems like a win-win. It would be an incredible asset for the city of Conway to boast a special-needs riding program at their very own city arena!” Moving forward, Jolley and Mathis hope to petition the city council for support and are about to launch a crowd-funding campaign to support the new non-profit they’ve established. Jolley says, “I think we can bring visibility to Conway’s Saddle Club and opportunity to the thousands of families that have children with various therapy needs. We can’t think of a better addition to Conway’s multi-faceted city then celebrating its historic arena

Imagination Station & On-Track Therapy joins Anita Mathis in efforts to introduce equine therapy to Conway.

Preparing for an event at Don Owens Arena June 9.

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and elevating its special needs community by offering a unique partnership in the equine therapy program offered there.” So as horse lover and teacher Anita Mathis gets up in front of a new crop of first graders this fall she also gets ready to stand in front of city officials. She says, “Educating our city planning and zoning commission that horses are important, not to just a small group of horse lovers, but to the economic, physical, emotional, and environmental well-being of the entire community. Our goal as a club is to ensure that the equine facilities brings out community together.” It couldn’t be a more exciting time for her to be back in the saddle and at the reins. Mathis says, “If we can make improvements, the facility will provide a place where the benefits of horses can be experienced by all and ensure that horses maintain a place in our local community.” To get involved with the Saddle Club follow them on Facebook at Faulkner County Saddle Club. To follow the horse therapy program development follow Imagination Station & On-Track Therapy on Facebook.

Melissa Gates has been telling stories in Faulkner County for more than a decade. She has interviewed a wide variety of interesting people from U.S. Presidents to rock stars, and countless community leaders. After growing up in the Midwest, she is thrilled to call Conway home, alongside her husband and three kids.

At top, the rodeo arena at Don Owens needs major upgrades. Above, Mathis and a rider prepare for a June event at the complex. 10 WINC. | August 2018

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Creating a Future:

Ida Burns media specialist Sharon Cone utilizes the school’s makerspace for electronics and earrings.

One Piece of Jewelry at a Time by Melissa Gates Nothing is more empowering than creating and building one’s own future; especially if you start in elementary school. That’s exactly what students at Ida Burns Elementary are doing. With the guidance of their media specialist and entrepreneur, Sharon Cone, they are assembling jewelry to sell. That money doesn’t just buy new library books or school supplies; it is going into a savings account to later be awarded as scholarships to Ida Burns students upon high school graduation. Cone is a firm believer in her students being exposed to the makerspace lab at Ida Burns. That’s where they make the jewelry. A makerspace is an area where students come to create, explore, discover, collaborate, and problem solve, all through activities focused on science, technology, robotics, engineering, art, and math. Cone says, “Makerspace labs give students the opportunity to be exposed to STEM activities and to learn about career options that involve these activities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that STEM related occupations will grow to more than 9 million by 2022, but many will go unfilled because of lack of qualified candidates.” 12 WINC. | August 2018

Cone is so excited for the profits from the jewelry making to be held for scholarships later. She says, “Research shows if a graduating high school student has as little as $1 - $499 accessible to them, they are 3 times more likely to continue their education at a college or technical school. Research also shows that those students are 7 times more likely to graduate from those institutions.” Cone is currently establishing the jewelry making entity as a non-profit; going through all the hoops of obtaining 501-C3 status. The official name for the business is Regalo Jewels. Regalo means “gift” in Italian. She says, “The name is based on the idea that the gift of the scholarship will in turn be a gift to our community by helping our students become educated, independent, contributing citizens.” Cone’s mission began by first learning how to make leather jewelry herself; then tried to teach the 3rd and 4th graders. She says, “I quickly realized the student’s motor skills aren’t developed enough to use the tools and make the jewelry in a manner that people would want to buy it. In the meantime, I literally became addicted to making the jewelry. So the students design the card that the earrings hang on. Other students place the earrings on the cards, and place the backings womensinc.net 13

on the earrings. The first Ida Burns parent night we offered the earrings for sale we profited $260. That was the encouragement we needed to pursue this further.” She goes on to say, “Some research suggests the students are up to 5 times more likely to further their education with even a small amount of money made available to them.” The requirements to receive the scholarship will be that students will have had to have graduated from Ida Burns in the 4th grade, be a Conway High School graduate and be accepted into an Arkansas higher education institution or technical school. It will also be available to students who need assistance in pursuing a viable business plan. Cone has no idea how large the scholarships will one day be; as the organization is still quite small. She says, “I would love to be able to give each applicant $500, but that will require a large fund.

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I would love to seek out donors and investors that would see the value in this project and give toward this scholarship fund. With the many STEM related businesses and corporations right here in Conway, this would be a perfect way to invest in the future workforce and in our community as a whole. If enough money can be raised through jewelry sales and possible donations, we could begin working with the Arkansas Community Foundation to make this an investable project.” In the meantime, as classes resume in August students will be making and selling jewelry at local craft shows, festivals, and pop up and shop parties at local businesses. They also sell on Instagram at #smallpriceforalargecause! You can contact Sharon Cone for more information at regalojewels2018@gmail.com.

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Nana’s Tradition and Tamales Preserving heritage at home by Kelly Sublett Editor’s Note:This interview was done with help of Francisco Yanez, who translated when necessary. Estella Lucero is a happy and welcoming woman. Her eyes are wide and kind to people she meets even though she encounters a language barrier from time to time. But the one thing that is obvious about the 63-year-old grandmother is her willingness to work and work hard. Her labor, though, is from the heart and a she smiles and laughs while she works making batches of traditional fare for sale. Her grandchildren and everyone who knows her calls Estella “La Tia” or “The Aunt.” “I don’t know why,” she smiles. “They just always have!” She has one granddaughter and one grandson, both in their 20s. She has one great-grandbaby who is a year old. They all live close by. And she has nieces and nephews she adores, too. Two are U.S. Marine Corp veterans and one is now a police officer. Estella was one of nine children who grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico. Being one of the oldest siblings, she was responsible for preparing food for the family. She also learned to make food for large groups of people who worked for her family building roadways across Mexico. Through the years, it was her ability to make traditional tamales that kept people coming back. In 1995 and a widower, Estella moved to Conway to be near family. It didn’t take long for her reputation in the kitchen to jump start her business — La Tia Estella, Inc. “I am self-taught,” she says. “I learned to make tamales by watching one of the sisters at my church and I just picked up on that trait.” Now, her ability to whip up large numbers of tamales — chicken, beef, pork and garlic-butter — is an artform she hopes to preserve for future generations — if they’re willing to do the work. “Making tamales is a lot, a lot of work,” she says. “Younger people don’t want to learn. I always worked in the kitchen. I was always responsible 16 WINC. | August 2018

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because I had siblings. I believe it is important to maintain these recipes because it is important to maintain our culture and understand our ancestors’ way of cooking.” Each week, beginning early in the morning, Estella begins work on her tamale orders. She has a technique that is fast and efficient, and she has a system for labeling the different varieties with strips of corn husk. Currently, Estella makes everything she cooks to order and delivers daily to customers. Soon, though, she will have a regular food truck situated in Conway. She’s looking for a location. “I definitely have a love for cooking,” she says. “When I was a little girl, I would wake up at 4 in the morning when I heard my mother get up. She would say, ‘Go back to sleep! It’s too early for you Mi hija (my daughter). But I would watch and help her and my love for cooking started then.” Estella’s mother would cook by season, spending much time during the Christian season of Lent making a traditional sliced torta bread with brown sugar, cheese and raisins (Capirotada). She was an expert at pork stew and Barbacoa. She passed down dishes sometimes unavailable in restaurants even today like Tinga, a shredded chicken with chipotle that is similar to a thick stew served on a tostada. “I learned how to make rice from an older, older lady. That’s why it is different. These are homemade Mexican dishes,” Estella explains. “I will make them to order and so many people says it reminds them of home.” When Estella moved to the United States, she was unsure how she would make a living but knew she would persevere. Without her husband to help, she first took a job in construction laying bricks. But word of her tamales spread and she learned quickly she could do more from her kitchen. “I feel so grateful and blessed that this trait helped pay my bills,” she explains. “I’m not a burden to my family or the government. Thanks to God.” While Estella works at a quick pace on a recent afternoon wrapping tamales to deliver, she talks about her heritage and her family history. With joy, she explains how her great-grandfather moved from Michigan to Mexico in 1910 to help during the revolution there. That’s how her family has roots in Mexico. Her grandmother eventually married a Mexican soldier — a well-educated, well-respected man who spoke multiple languages. Although the story is unusual at best, there are many twists and turns. It’s a family story of love, revolution, revenge and spins much like that of a Shakespearean tale. And she tells it in Spanish, which only enhances the romantic nature of the story. “I tell my children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews this story,” she beams. “It’s who we are. And I usually tell it over a traditional meal. “I often make Caldo de Res (Mexican beef soup), and that reminds me of my mother. It’s good for eating because it has so many nutrients and it’s good for napping!” Estella admits although her calling is tamale-making, she is available to make specialties requested of her. “Homemade food is important, even for a busy family,” she says. “Too many young people go out to eat and are deep frying and eating processed foods. Things made at home have many health benefits and are good for family.” Estella takes orders for tamales through Las Delicias in Conway. To inquire about dishes or order, call (501) 358-7577. If you know a favorite family cook and would like to nominate them for a feature, please email ksublett@thecabin.net. 18 WINC. | August 2018

Tamales

Note: The process for making traditional Mexican tamales is too difficult and time-consuming to detail here. We recommend researching techniques online if you are brave enough to try. Step-by-step instructions are available. The following is Estella’s traditional ingredients list.

Tamale Dough: 4 cups masa harina (Mexican flour) 1 (21-ounce) can beef broth 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 ⅔ cups lard Pinch of garlic powder

Tamale Filling: 2 ½ pounds pork loin 1 large onion 8 dried chile pods (guajillo) 4 cups water 1 ½ teaspoons salt *Makes 1 dozen tamales

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Centennial Bank gains two new team members Matt Baker recently joined Centennial Bank as a Commercial Loan Officer, according to Greg Sanson, Division President. “We are very excited to have Matt join our team of lenders in the Conway Region,” stated Sanson. “Matt has been with Centennial bank for over 11 years. He has a broad range of experience in the financial industry; having worked in Retail, Corporate Training and most recently Cash Management.” Sanson added. Matt is a life-long resident of Conway and is very active in the community. He is on the board of the Faulkner County American Cancer Society, where he plays a major role in the Lip Sync event held each year in Conway. A graduate of Conway High School and the University of Central Arkansas, Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Matt attends oneChurch in Conway. His office will be at 620 Chestnut in Conway.

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Shelly Strange has also joined Centennial Bank as an Agent for the Conway Market of Centennial Insurance Company. “We are excited to announce the addition of Shelly Strange to the Centennial Bank Family” said Greg Sanson, Division President. “Her community involvement and years of experience make her a perfect fit”, Sanson added. Strange has over 23 years of insurance experience in service and sales. She’s worked for State Farm Insurance- Forest City, AR/Little Rock, AR/Conway, AR, InsurRisk- Little Rock, AR and American Management Corporation- Conway, AR. Shelly is married to her husband, Doug Strange, and together, they have three children: Hannah, Ashby and Harleigh. Strange will handle both personal and commercial lines of insurance. Centennial Bank has 159 banking centers throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and New York.

An Ounce of Prevention

You may recall from last month’s WINC article that one of our Founding Fathers and Colonial American pharmacist, Ben Franklin, is credited for the phrase, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The modern-day healthcare system is continually evolving, and more and more emphasis is being placed on that very principle. That makes perfect sense because the prevention of a health problem is typically far less expensive than treating it once it occurs. However, far too often we discover a good preventive practice after the damage to our bodies has been done. For example, let’s talk about your poor aching feet and tired swollen legs. Are you giving them the attention they deserve? A mental image of the clothing that Franklin, Jefferson, Hancock, and the rest of the gang wore comes to mind. If the paintings are accurate, they all have on kneelength breeches and tall stockings. Sounds like a bunch of old guys today doesn’t it? You know the ones I’m talking about – those wearing Bermuda shorts and tall black socks. ☺ Seriously though, the right socks can make a world of difference in keeping your feet and legs healthy. You may not think you are a good candidate for compression socks but consider some of the following facts. The Vim&Vigr company defines compression socks as an ultra-strong elasticated sock that come in knee-high, thigh-high, or full-length from the waist styles. They fit snugly around your foot and ankle and get a little bit looser the higher up your leg they go. By squeezing your leg tissues in a graduated manner, these

socks help the blood flow more freely and ago and started wearing them or I would minimize the accumulation of fluid in your really be in a mess. The same principle lower legs. They come in varying degrees of applies to those of you who may sit behind compression and are indicated for different a desk all day. Unless you get up and medical conditions. move around a lot, blood flow is reduced, People who already have circulation increasing your risk of developing blood problems or are at risk for circulation clots. Pilots and people who have to fly a lot problems would definitely benefit from fit in this category as well. wearing these socks. If you have a DVT You may have noticed that many athletes (deep vein thrombosis or blood clot), wear compression socks or compression varicose veins, or diabetes, consider yourself sleeves on their legs and arms. WebMD says: to be in this group. Compression socks are “The theory is that, during activity, better often used after surgery and by patients blood flow will help get oxygen to their who can’t get out of bed or have a hard time muscles, and the support will help prevent moving their legs to prevent DVTs from tissue damage, help their muscles recover developing. Due to the significant hormonal more quickly, reduce muscle cramps, and changes during pregnancy and the increased minimize soreness. coagulability of their blood, pregnant women Most people have a negative mental are also at a greater risk of developing image of how compression socks look and DVTs. This is especially true during the feel. They visualize some ugly tan, rubberylater stages of pregnancy and even during looking object that their grandmother used the post-partum time period until hormone to wear. But that’s totally wrong. Today’s levels return to normal. medical grade compression socks are There are a number of non-medical actually quite fashionable and feel downright reasons to consider them as well. For comfortable. Color and style are the new instance, I’m a perfect example of one of normal with our new line by Vim&Vigr. those. As a pharmacist, I stand up for ten Medical grade compression socks may be to twelve hours a day and have for over the last thing on your mind when it comes forty-four years. My legs have definitely to “an ounce of prevention,” but they just paid the price! I have swollen ankles, some might be the first thing you should put on pretty bad varicose veins, and enough spider your feet when you get up in the morning. veins to warrant calling an exterminator! David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith Fortunately, Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and I discovered staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been taking care of people in the Conway and the benefits of surrounding areas for more than 43 years. He loves spending compression socks time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren. about thirty years

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Our Strugge with

By Andrea Champlin First of all, I would like to ask forgiveness for my past sanctimonious self from all parents that have struggled with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD. I used to think ADHD was just a problem of parents not being able to control their child’s behavior. They just needed discipline! No need to medicate these children. But then ADHD happened to our family. My daughter, Annabel, is smart, creative, and behaves well in a classroom. She never causes trouble-unless she’s chatting too much-and all of her teachers have loved her. I NEVER thought she was an ADHD candidate until third grade. Annabel has always had a little bit of trouble paying attention in class. Her teachers had mentioned it a few times, but I think we all chalked it up to normal daydreaming. I tried to make sure she didn’t have anything that might distract her during class. I had her stop wearing bracelets and rings and we went to plain pencils, to lessen distraction. Starting in first grade (she’s entering fifth now) Annabel would have weekly homework. They’d get it on Monday and it was due on Friday. Normally, these assignments should take 15 minutes. If it was reading homework, I didn’t even have to help her and I rarely checked it because she always aced it. Starting sometime during second grade, if it was math homework, it was a bit of a nightmare. In third grade, it was night terrors. It would sometimes take two hours to finish a short assignment. We would spend 22 WINC. | August 2018

10 minutes working out the answer to one problem and, I’m not kidding, she would forget the number before she could write it on the paper. It was maddening! Those were not some of my finer parenting moments helping with math homework in second and third grade. And before you ask, no, it had zero to do with common core. I talked to my husband about it, he consulted with some education professionals, we reviewed her standardized test scores, and honestly, it just looked like math wasn’t her thing. In second grade she was still meeting school expectations, not necessarily ours, but she was doing ok. Toward the end of third grade there was a sharp decline. She couldn’t, no matter how much we worked on them, remember her multiplication tables. She had trouble with the equations. Annabel started seeing an interventionist for math. If you’re not familiar with an interventionist, they help kids that aren’t meeting their grade level expectations. My husband and I were obviously extremely concerned. We knew that Annabel was a smart girl, but for some reason she could not do well in a classroom setting, and

I was seriously considering homeschooling her. I ordered homeschool curriculum catalogs and talked to several homeschool moms and I was ready to pull the trigger for fourth grade. Annabel was frequently having a hard time finishing daily assignments during class in third grade. She would have to bring work home that her peers had finished during school time. She could not finish her practice tests for the ACT Aspire. Mrs. Gayla Fairchild, Annabel’s third grade teacher, had texted me about this several times. I was so frustrated because I didn’t know what to do. My kids know to try their best in school; I know my daughter and I knew she wasn’t purposefully trying to fail the test or not do her work. I could somewhat understand her problem on the math portion of the ACT Aspire, given my experience with her and her math homework. So I asked her teacher specifically about the reading section on the ACT Aspire, because Annabel excels in reading, and when Mrs. Fairchild told me she wasn’t finishing that either, I knew there had to be another problem. I asked if we should have Annabel tested

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for ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and she thought it would be a good idea. I will forever be grateful to Mrs. Fairchild for being so vigilant in her contact with me. And thus began four months of questionnaires, classroom observation by a school district psychologist, doctor visits, medication, and school meetings. Just before the end of fourth grade Annabel was diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive. She was given an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and was allotted extra time on the standardized test that was rapidly approaching that she, bless her heart, just could not finish. And let’s be clear. I did not know ADHD-Inattentive was a thing. I’d heard of ADD before, but then it was changed to ADHD and I knew Annabel wasn’t hyperactive. Pardon my ignorance, but I thought you had to have both--hyperactivity and inattentiveness--to have ADHD. Annabel had several other symptoms of ADHD, but until those symptoms caused a problem in school, I didn’t consider them. Annabel started fourth grade on medication and when we had the first parent-teacher conference and picked up her grades, I was shocked; I actually cried in front of Annabel’s teacher. She had straight A’s! She had a 92% in math! And let’s remember, at the end of third grade she was seeing an interventionist and wasn’t meeting grade level expectations in math! I could not believe that a little blue pill could make such a difference, so we decided to take her off of it. Surely she had just matured over the summer and maybe her new teacher had a different teaching style that worked better for her, right? Wrong. Despite having a tutor come to our home every week, after taking her off of the medication I noticed a decline in the grades on her math papers. I knew she understood everything, but it did not reflect on her school papers. We put her back on the medication after seven weeks. But it was too late for report cards, her 92% plummeted to a 74%. Her reading score also went from an A to the equivalent of a D. I did not want to believe medication could help that much, but it did. After being put back on the medication, she finished the school year with her highest math grade, a 94% on some of the most difficult concepts, and her writing score was back up. She also did this without the help of a tutor that moved after the first semester. This dramatic shift in her performance at school would not have been possible without the medication. And because of her extra time on the ACT Aspire in third grade, we found out during the fourth grade that she scored well enough to be invited to the Duke Talent Identification Program. She scored in the top 3% in the country in reading, and she 24 WINC. | August 2018

couldn’t even finish the test during practice sessions. So, why am I sharing this very personal struggle with you? I’d like to be able to help some families out there that are going through the same thing. Also, I have some serious mom guilt. I wish I’d known about ADHDInattenvitve earlier. I have so much guilt for getting angry with my daughter while doing math homework.Y’all, she couldn’t help it. She had a problem and I didn’t know it. My husband originally did not want me to publicize our struggle with Annabel’s ADHD. He didn’t want me to post anything on social media or tell a lot of people, he was afraid of the stigma for our little girl. And then I started a little blog and it got picked up by a local magazine. Life is funny that way. Because of the 74% in math the second nine weeks, we pulled Annabel from an after-school activity that she dearly loves. That was probably the hardest parenting decision we’ve ever made. Many tears were shed, but as parents my husband and I emphasize personal responsibility. She may have ADHD, but it is also her responsibility, along with ours, to manage it. School has to come first, and she certainly pays more attention to grades now. Annabel and I had a long talk about differences and obstacles one day after school. She was frustrated that she had to take a pill every day, and that we had to make lists for her, that she had to go to a different room for tests, and that she forgets things a lot. The blue pill is not magic. We still have to make accommodations and manage ADHD. And I just told her how

proud I was of her. Annabel sometimes gets embarrassed about going to a different room to take a test. I get it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to be different, especially at nine. But I also told her that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our differences that make us unique. That she has the ability to raise awareness about ADHD and that struggle builds character. Adversity also makes us more empathetic to others. It was during this conversation that I asked if it would be ok to share her story. She said yes with tears in her eyes. She wants to help people too. My former sanctimonious self is very glad that there is medication available to help our Annabel. I believe that it has opened academic doors that were formerly closed to her. So to all of you moms and dads out there that have children that are a little different, you are not alone, the struggle is indeed real, and I salute you.

Andrea Champlin is a Conway transplant with a new appreciation for toads and mythical creatures. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wife, mom of three, and likes to create pretty things all while trying to get the mom thing right. Andrea can usually be found toting her kids around or planning their next trip, but always with paint on her hands.

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Featured Twirlers from the UCA Bears’ Marching Band by Janice Jackson Seamands Football Season is coming and TWIRLERS will be lighting up the field at half time with exciting shows and beautiful costumes! Get to know a twirler. They are wonderful people and love to take photos with you at the games! When you attend a game for University of Central Arkansas, you will see a wonderful show by the Bears Marching Band and the three Featured Twirlers. Meet them in interviews below… Karlie Fowler “Twirling is a sport that requires patience, discipline, and confidence. My years as a twirler have helped me develop these qualities and through that I have been able to take on leadership positions in school, jobs and twirling groups. College twirling is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to be a role model. One of my favorite experiences was during my first college performance. A young girl asked me to teach her to twirl and I was able to share with her my love of twirling and instill in her that same love. I am a Junior at UCA and majoring in Radiology. I’m from Monticello, AR where I twirled for six years with the Junior High and High School Majorette Lines. This Fall will be my third year as Featured Twirler for UCA and I am the College Miss Majorette of Arkansas for 2017.”

Kimrey Mathews “For nine years, I have been competing in baton twirling competitions all around the country and have qualified for National competition for nine consecutive years. In May, I graduated as an honor student from Greenbrier High School where I was Featured Twirler for three years. Fall 2018 semester I will begin my career as a Featured Twirler for University of Central Arkansas with the Bears Band! Baton twirling takes hard work, practice, training, time management skills, sometimes tears and a passion as large as the Atlantic Ocean! I recently won the title Miss Majorette of Arkansas 2018 and have spent a lot of time dedicated to twirling and becoming a college Featured Twirler. To all the younger twirlers out there, NEVER give up! When life knocks you down 10 times, get up 11. When you pour your heart and soul into what you are doing, anything is possible. Throughout my twirling journey I have lived by the bible verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” With God by your side and passion in your heart, you can achieve anything! Ciana Diaz “I have lived in Mountain View, AR since 2011 where I graduated from Mountain View High School in May. Competing in Mid South Regional and Arkansas State twirling championships has allowed me to capture many titles in addition to being the Featured Twirler for Mountain View High School. I am now a Featured Twirler for the University of Central Arkansas! Twirling has helped me excel in many areas of my life and taught me to prioritize all of my activities and goals. With school and practice, we do a lot and I have to manage my time. I can’t imagine not having twirling as an outlet because I love it so much! I’ll be able to keep doing what I love which is twirl my heart out on the field with the Bears Marching Band. I’m grateful to be a representative of UCA through baton twirling!”

Central Arkansas Baton Twirling is proud to see these fine students performing for UCA and the Conway community. Go see them at a game! Janice Jackson Seamands is a charter member of the Baton Twirling Hall of Fame, instructs and judges across the USA and Europe, has produced state, regional, national and world champions in every major twirling organization and has had twirlers at over 40 colleges and universities as well as high schools throughout the nation.

Central AR Baton 10007012 26 WINC. | August 2018

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TOWN E M HO

HERO

Faulkner County Veteran of the Year By Linda Hicks Gulf War veteran Colonel (retired) Mary Frances “Frankie” Sears said, in 1976, when she enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard it made her “daddy real proud.” “I have a lot of family that served,” she said. “It isn’t out of the normal for my family to serve but I always told everybody I was the oldest first lieutenant in the Army.” Her father, Ernest Wallace, was a World War I veteran with a signal unit—a “real hero” in his daughter’s eyes. He also had two brothers in World War I. They all served in France. Her father’s twin sister was a “Rosie the Riveter.” Her cousin was one of the famous Red Raiders. And, another cousin was on a hospital ship when it sank. She was rescued but spent many hours in the water, Sears said. Sears spent 21-year in the military in various capacities including at military posts in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. Sears and her unit were also mobilized for Operation Desert Storm. She spent six months in Saudi Arabia, where she provided anesthesia care for American and allied soldiers, as well as prisoners of war, as chief nurse anesthetist. 28 WINC. | August 2018

However, her career in healthcare began long before her military career. A couple of days after graduating from Malvern High School, Sears began school at Arkansas Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. She worked in numerous hospital units including intensive care, emergency and labor and delivery before receiving her certification as a nurse anesthetist. At age 39, with nearly two decades of nursing experience, she joined the National Guard with the 148th Evacuation Hospital. She entered the military with a “direct commission,” as a first lieutenant. Most of the females in the military, then, she recalled, were in the nurse corps. There were very, very few female officers who were not nurses,” Sears explained. Officers’ basic, she said, wasn’t that intense physically. However, it was August and hot in San Antonio when she was going through it. Map reading, she said, was an integral part of her training. Sears retired in 2008 at the age of 71. Today, she lives in Mayflower and was selected in June as Faulkner County Veteran of the Year by the Museum of Veterans and Military History in

Vilonia. In that capacity, she will represent the museum at various events throughout the year. Recalling events from her military career, she said, the overseas duty stations were probably the most memorable to her for a variety of reason. Perhaps, because at them she, often, worked outside the realm of medicine. The younger soldiers under her charge, she said, at times turned to her for motherly advice and a shoulder to cry on. For instance, when they called home to learn their girlfriends or boyfriends had dumped them or their spouses had filed for divorces. A quiet nature, she said, she generally got along well with those serving under her command. “I wasn’t a yeller,” she said. As well, she said, she wouldn’t ask anyone to do anything that she wouldn’t do. If the toilets needed cleaning, she said, she would clean them. “That’s just the way I am,” she added. On that note, she talked briefly about helping a couple of veterinarians to care for animals while stationed in Guatemala.

She also fondly recalled a visit with a patient to whom she administered anesthesia. The Texas soldier told her he couldn’t wear his pants because they had been cut by the medical team. Sears used a sewing machine that she bought at a local Saudi Arabia market to mend them so he could rejoin his unit upon recovery. “He told me they fit a whole lot better than they did before,” she laughed. Sears may have other things on her bucket list but she’s fulfilled many. She has been to every state in the Union as well as other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Cuba, Mexico and Belize. She has been past the Arctic Circle and driven to Alaska as well as to most of the Canadian provinces. After she retired, she worked at the Conway outpatient clinic. She’s been married 37 years to her husband, Don, who also served 39 years in the Guard. They also enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Volunteers with the Museum of Veterans and Military History in Vilonia name Colonel (retired) Mary Frances “Frankie” Sears of Mayflower as the Faulkner County Veteran of the Year. Linda Hicks photo.

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By Andrea Champlin

School Lunches

There are many things I like to do, packing lunches for school is not one of those things. Last year my children started asking me to pack their lunches occasionally. Invariably it was at 8:45 after a long day of errands, cleaning, and activities, and the only thing I wanted to do at 8:45 was binge-watch Netflix and be happy in the knowledge that my children were safely tucked away in their beds. Notice packing a lunch is not listed. My two boys, Andrew and Adam, went to a day camp this summer that required lunches to be packed everyday. Since this was a necessity that could not be avoided by buying

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lunch there (like they do at school), I tried to make it as simple as possible. I packed their lunches for the week on Sunday night and stored it in tupperware in the refrigerator. I felt like a genius! I don’t know why I hadn’t been doing that for years! I know Pinterest is full of stuff like this, but really, does anyone actually try the things on Pinterest, or do you just pin away? I usually just pin away. However, all of my children have told me this summer they want to take their lunch to school more often, so whatever prevents me from making crustless peanut butter sandwiches at 9 pm, I’m willing to try.

My daughter, Annabel, will eat pretty much anything, including sardines. One of her favorite foods is sushi. On the opposite end of the spectrum is my younger son, Adam. If it weren’t for waffles and strawberry milk, I’m not confident he would be alive. Andrew is in the middle of these two extremes. Clearly, I can’t pack the same thing for all of my children. Annabel is easy. Andrew is consistent. Adam is impossible. So what’s a mom to do? I need a system. A list, if you will. I need it to be easy! After my experience with packing lunches ahead for camp this summer, I knew that was the way to go for me. I looked at several refrigerator containers online and couldn’t decide what would work for me. So I took the kids and we headed to The Container Store in Little Rock. I was in organizational heaven. I picked up a few Fridge and Freeze Binz containers, a Fridge Benz Egg Holder, and some Snack Pack boxes for fruit and anything

else I decide to put in there. I used the containers to hold lunch items prepared in advance that needed to go in the refrigerator. I used some chalkboard labels I already had to put names on each box. I don’t want any fighting about who is getting what for lunch. Each kid will have their own box with their things in it. My kids love to eat hard boiled eggs; and they’re healthy! But I don’t want them grabbing eggs out of the carton for lunch, because the chances of them grabbing a raw egg are excellent. I can imagine the mess that would make at school; especially since it’s a Champlin tradition to crack hardboiled eggs on your forehead. However, I found the Fridge Benz Egg Holder and boiled a dozen eggs and put them in the fridge. This way, the kids know these are their lunch eggs. I also used a Pinterest tip of hanging a shoe rack on the pantry door. I tried it and I love it. We recently took a plane trip with the kids, and they all pack their backpacks with snacks. They loved

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Proteins

– Wraps – Peanut butter or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – Peanut butter crackers – Hardboiled egg – Egg/chicken/ham/turkey salad – Nuts (pistachios, almonds, pecans, etc.)

Vegetables

– Carrot sticks – Snap peas – Veggie straws – Red peppers – Celery sticks

FRUITS

– Strawberries – Blueberries – Raspberries – Bananas – Oranges – Apples

going to the pantry door, being able to see all of their options, and throwing what they want in their bag. We’re going to use this for lunch and snacks this fall. I also found a great drink holder online. It’s for water bottles, but I used it for Capri Sun, milk and bottled water. I tried to have a nice variation and put several different food groups into bins in the refrigerator and pantry. The refrigerator bins are for lunches only, and the pantry is for lunch and snacks. To the left are some of the foods I used, but I know there are tons of other options out there. Planning ahead will make our nightly routine so much easier. Your kids get what they like, you don’t have to pack lunches at 9 pm, and you don’t have to worry about your children suffering from malnutrition! I’ve been doing this mom things for 10 years and I’ve come to understand the importance of balance between health and sanity, and living without guilt. I absolutely try to make sure my children have a balanced diet and healthy meals; however, if they have cheetos and cereal for dinner one night, I give myself a little grace, and you should too!

CARBS

– Pretzels – Crackers – Goldfish – Bagels – Granola bars

DAIRY

– Cheese – Yogurt – Cottage Cheese – Milk

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Andrea Champlin is a Conway transplant with a new appreciation for toads and mythical creatures. She’s a wife, mom of three, and likes to create pretty things all while trying to get the mom thing right. Andrea can usually be found toting her kids around or planning their next trip, but always with paint on her hands.

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Conversations with a

Betsey & James Gooch Children: J.B., age - 25 yrs; Brittnee Taylor, age - 23 yrs; Patricia, age - 22 yrs Hometown: James is from Jacksonville, AR and Betsy is from Omaha, Nebraska Occupation: James is a Process Server part time serving legal papers and Betsy has worked for the past 7 years at Conway OBGYN as head scheduler for 3 physicians What’s something people wouldn’t generally know about you? In January 2019, James and I will have been together for 20 years! During our marriage we have had many obstacles and struggles but we have never given up on each other. There is always times in a marriage that you can feel disconnected and distanct, but our advice is to perservere through those times because there is a rainbow after the storm. God is the glue that holds marriages together and as long as you put Him first, your love will never fail! What’s the last music you listened to as a family while driving? Betsy- KLOVE it’s pretty much all that I listen to in my car. James- 5FDP is my favorite band but I like listening to 100.3 The Edge too

What is the furthest you’ve been from Who is the calmest? home and why? Betsy- James, although Betsy- I think probably to New York to climb I have come a long way. the Statue of Liberty when I was a young kid. James- I would say I am calmer but James- I lived in Germany when I it really depends on the circumstance. was little because my dad was stationed there in the Air Force. What is your family’s favorite hobby? What’s your guilty pleasure? Betsy- meeting up at Starbucks with Betsy- Starbucks and Do you prefer mountains or the beach? all of our kids and hanging out. Andy’s Frozen Custard Betsy- Beach Beach Beach James- going on a cruise is our favorite James- a cold bottle of frappucino it’s my favorite place to be family hobby- we are hooked James- Definitely the beach What’s the one thing in your home you Where do you go to church? want to get rid of but that your spouse Who do you most admire? Betsy- St Joseph Catholic Church won’t allow? Betsy- my Mom and Dad; they are the most James- St Joseph Catholic Church Betsy- We recently went through giving, kind and loving people I know stuff when we downsized so there is and I am so blessed to be their daughter. What is your favorite memory as a family? really nothing I want to get rid of. James- My mom; she has raised 6 kids, Betsy- I don’t have just one favorite, we have James- My wife has a plant that fought cancer and won, and has the so many wonderful family memories over the is dying a slow death and I wish biggest heart of gold. She’s pretty amazing! last 20 years. I do love spending quality time I could just throw it away and together when we go on vacations. put it out of its misery. Which is your favorite restaurant in town? James- All of the many vacations Betsy- That is hard cause I love food. that we have had as a family. Who is your favorite animated character? I would say between JJ’s and Old Chicago. Nebraska, Branson, Florida, Dauphin Betsy- The Donkey off Shrek James- Toad Suck Bucks- Best steak around Island and all of the cruises we have taken. is pretty darn funny James- The Road RunnerIs your family more Elvis or Beatles? cause he’s smart and untouchable Betsy- ummmm I dont really listen to Cody Sublett is a native to Faulkner County. He is a local business owner and enjoys oldies but if I have to pick I guess Elvis sharing the personalities of the people What are you most passionate about? James- Neither he meets. Whether it is another small Betsy- I am passionate about business owner or a family he has had the pleasure of working for, the Cadron living a positive life and sharing Who is the better driver? Creek Craftsman is happy to share a little the love of Christ to others. Betsy- hands down ME bit about the people who make Central James- I am passionate about and I know James will say Arkansas unique and diverse. loving and being there for my it’s him but that’s not true! 3 kids anytime they need me. James- ME :) 34 WINC. | August 2018

Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Brain Structure and Function By Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D. Recent studies shed light on the importance of timely treatment of hearing loss. Most people believe that hearing loss is a condition that only affects their ears. In reality, untreated hearing loss can affect so much more, including brain structure and function. According to a 2013 John Hopkins University study, hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and dementia. A 2011 dementia study monitored the cognitive health of 639 people who were mentally sharp when the study began. The researchers tested the volunteers’ mental abilities regularly, following most for about 12 years, and some for as long as 18 years. The results were striking: The worse the initial hearing loss, the more likely the person was to develop dementia. Researchers say that there are plausible

reasons for why hearing loss might lead to dementia — the brain’s hearing center, called the auditory cortex, is very close to the regions where Alzheimer’s first starts. Hearing loss also has a noted link to brain shrinkage. Although the brain naturally becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage seems to be fast-tracked in older adults with hearing loss, according to the results of a study by Frank Lin,

M.D Ph.D. through Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging. The report revealed that those with impaired hearing lost more than an additional cubic centimeter of brain tissue each year compared to those with normal hearing. Those with impaired hearing also had significantly more shrinkage in particular regions, including the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri, brain structures also responsible for processing sound and speech. When a person is affected by untreated hearing loss, their auditory cortex becomes “impoverished” due to the lack of sound stimulation. Treating hearing loss in a timely matter, however, can help offset this. These studies indicate the urgency in which hearing loss should be treated. “If you want to address hearing loss well,” Lin says, “you want to do it sooner rather than later.”

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in Schools By Brody Arnold School children will begin attending classes across the county this month, and faith is playing a big role in confidence, security and peace of mind, as student-led groups gather momentum. And these organizations are not shying away from difficult conversations. School shootings, for example, have taken the forefront of news on a regular basis and is one of the topics these groups examine for answers on how to combat the issue both in an emotional and preemptive manner. In May of 2018, CNN reported that there had been at least one school shooting every week on average since the beginning of the year in which “someone was hurt or killed.” While the solution to stopping school shootings remains a hot topic of political debate, these student-led faith groups are continuing to look for ways to provide aid and comfort to those not only affected by these terrible situations, but also those facing any kind of hardship that comes along with being a young person in today’s society. Long-standing organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are growing in local schools. Little Rock Area Director Ryan Webb said the group has tackled the issue head on. “I think school shootings are a symptom of everyone’s search for significance,” Webb said. “The mission of FCA is to help lead coaches and athletes into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” Webb said that since its establishment in 1954 FCA has more than 100 missionaries around the world and they use what Webb referred to as the “vehicle of sports” as a way to develop relationships with people — those relationships being key in mitigating anxiety among students in junior high and high school.

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In Greenbrier, School Board President Jeremy Riddle aided the establishment of IronMen — another student-led group focused on male students who need a way to prepare for adulthood. The group came about after 13 junior high students were expelled from the district in 2016. Riddle reached out to fathers who now participate in leadership of the group. “I talked with them about what it would look like if we got together and talked with our sons about what to expect in junior high; and what to expect as they grow up and transition into manhood,” he said. Riddle said using the example of school shootings was a way for community leaders to step in and address the issue logically as well as faithfully. The group of eighth-grade boys meets each Monday during the lunch period.

“We’ve had opportunities to bring leaders in the community such as judges, lawyers and law enforcement to talk about if and when [school shootings] happen, what are some ways to combat this, as well as emotionally deal with it,” Riddle said. He said that more can be done. One hope Riddle has for this school year is to get more speakers to address those kinds of issues. KLIFE is another local nonprofit youth discipleship ministry for students in seventh through 10th grades. It is a branch of the Kanakuk Kamps in Missouri. The group meets weekly and Women’s Director Sarah Langley said that while the organization hasn’t addressed the issue directly, topics like bullying and cyberbullying that are often associated with school shootings are discussed among its young people.

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Langley was a volunteer leader her freshman year at the University of Central Arkansas. She helps lead the activities on Tuesday nights, and meets other young adults who are leading groups on a weekly basis. “Otherwise, we just kind of [talk about] random stuff and whatever comes along,” she said. Other faith-based groups are cropping up in schools throughout Faulkner County, to include elementaryaged students who take it upon themselves to start prayer groups on the playground. And though the younger students may not be as plugged in to national news, the need for faith and to take on the responsibility themselves is a common trend. “We take time to learn a scripture or say prayers for our friends,” said fifth-grade Conway student Presley Prew. “Everyone is invited to be part of it. Two girls asked me if I would like to join their group and I said ‘yes’ right away. We did that twice a week at recess last year.” Webb said that when something tragic like a shooting happens, it brings to the surface the identity and significance that young people are looking for. “That includes the shooter, who is looking for some way to fit in and have a purpose in this world, it includes the victims, it includes all the people that are affected,” he said. Webb said his role with FCA allows him to address crisis from a non-threatening angle. “If I’m struggling, and I know [a certain person] is doing well and is strong, I need to not have shame … we’ve got to remove the shame of people saying ‘I’m struggling, man’,” he said.

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Webb also said that while young people who are struggling in some way need to reach out, it is also important for others to look for those who are struggling. “I don’t even like the words ‘not doing well,’ but if that’s not something you’re struggling with … what Jesus would have done is walked around your schools and classes and teams looking for people that are,” he said. FCA, like the other groups, provide opportunities for students to gather. Whether it be a mini church service, Bible study or guest speaker, students are encouraging others to tell their stories and share their struggles in environments where they feel comfortable. “The backbone of FCA has always been what called a huddle,” Webb said. “The starting point of it is the athletes, it revolves around sports, but it doesn’t get confined to it,” he said. “We have a lot of students involved that are maybe in the band or their primary focus is other clubs.” For leadership of area young people in their walk with God and with growing up, finding the right pathway is important. Webb coached high school and college soccer for about 25 years. He said that FCA was an opportunity to continue forward with two things that he loved. Instead of being a factor in winning and losing during the games, he gets to be involved with young people and their personal and collective journeys from a different perspective. “I wanted to stay involved in sports, but I think God revealed to me that ministry was the path that I needed to be on,” he said. For more information on these groups: https://conway.klife.com http://centralarkfca.org/ https://www.facebook.com/becominggodlymen

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A Look Back...

Ida Burns

Betty Courtway

Carolyn Lewis

Julia Lee Moore

Ellen Smith

Marguerette Vann

First Ladies of Education by Cindy Beckman As the teachers and children go back to the classrooms of Conway for a new year, it seems appropriate to pay tribute to the ladies who made such an impact on the children of Conway Public Schools that the district named school buildings in their honor. Medora Ellen Grissard Smith (1868-1951) became the first woman in the state of Arkansas to be elected to an official position when she was elected to the Conway School Board of Education in 1921. After a period of financial difficulties, the district was able to build a new east side elementary school in1925 which was named in her honor. When the new Ellen Smith was constructed in 2000, St. Joseph School bought the original school named in her honor. 40 WINC. | August 2018

Ida Lawrey Leigh Burns (1876-1970) taught 44 years (1899-1903, 1910-1950) as an elementary school teacher in the Conway School District. The original Ida Burns Elementary building, named in her honor, was constructed in 1955, with buildings added in 1964, 1975 and 1992. Sallie Fisher Hildreth Cone (1892-1975) earned a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from Central College then attended Arkansas State Normal School (now UCA) where she obtained a Licensed Instructor degree. She taught in Helena and then in Montrose where she met and married Jesse G. Cone. After moving back to Conway to be close to her sister, Mary Beth Hildreth Crafton, Cone was hired by the Conway School District to teach. She later went on to earn a BSE from ASTC and an MSE from the University of Arkansas. Mrs. Cone taught for 40 years. In 1956, a new elementary school was named in her honor because of her love of children. She continued to substitute teach for several years afterward. Florence Mattison (1895-1988), was raised at Sweet Home in Pulaski County. She met her husband, Preston, at Philander Smith College and they were married in 1916. In the early 1920s, they came to Conway where he was hired to be the Pine Street School principal. She taught there for most of her 40 years of teaching. In retirement, Florence tutored in her home and worked with VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools). Florence Mattison Elementary opened in 1981.

Ida Burns

Marguerette Vann

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Marguerite Irby Vann (1909-1996) was a music teacher for the Conway district. She and her husband, Ben Vann, owned a portion of the former Lollie Plantation from 1952 until they sold it to the Schaefers in 1973. She also led the music in the children’s department at First Baptist Church. After teaching for 15 years, she became the district supervisor of choral music in 1965. Marguerite Vann Elementary, built in 1986, was named in her honor. Ruth Browning Doyle (1914-2003) was born in Fort Worth, Texas but raised in Milan, Tennessee. She came to Conway in 1925. She received a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix in French and English and then a master’s degree in French from ASTC. After teaching high school in Fayetteville for one year, she returned to Conway to teach high school English in 1936. There she married her principal, David Doyle, and became a fifth-grade teacher at Ida Burns. Ruth Doyle Intermediate (now Middle) School opened in 2004. Julia Lee Moore (1918-2003) graduated Conway High School and then received her bachelors at ASTC before she earned her master’s degree in education at the University of Arkansas. Except for one year in Little Rock, Miss Moore’s entire career was spent in the Conway system. She taught in

42 WINC. | August 2018

Julia Lee Moore

Ellen Smith

the Central Grade School and then at Ida Burns. She served as principal of Ida Burns for many years. In 1978, the new Julia Lee Elementary School was named in her honor. Phyllis Moix Simon served as the district’s first director of computer services for twenty years before her retirement in 2005. She is married to Ray Simon, Superintendent of Conway Schools from 1991 to 1997. She took the district from no computers to one of the most technologically advanced districts in the state. In 2006, a new intermediate school was named Ray and Phyllis Simon Intermediate (now Middle School) in recognition of the contributions this couple made to the district. Carolyn Hazel Lewis, a 1961 graduate of Conway Schools, taught elementary school in Conway and was principal of Sallie Cone Elementary until her retirement after 32 years. She then served on the school board for ten years, five years as its president. Carolyn Lewis Elementary opened in 2012. Recently the Conway Board of Education honored the late Betty Courtway by renaming a middle school the Bob and Betty

Courtway Middle School. Mrs. Courtway taught kindergarten not only in the public schools but in First Baptist Church’s private kindergarten. Many Conway children, including myself, got their start under Mrs. Courtway’s care and guidance. These ladies, and many more dedicated teachers, educated generations of Conway students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they would need for the future.

Cindy Beckman is a local freelance writer. She writes A Look Back, a weekly Tuesday column; A Look Forward, a bi-monthly Sunday column; and the daily Yesterdays column for the Log Cabin. She has also authored several local history books and articles. She may be reached at beckman@windstream.net

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We are all on the same team. Yours. At Conway Regional, fighting breast cancer is only part of completing the journey. Join us in welcoming Dr. Michael Spann, whose expertise in breast reconstruction surgery provides yet another layer of comprehensive breast . with 3D mammography to surgery and breast reconstruction, look care in your community. From detection no further than Conway Regional.

Pictured above (L to R)

Dr. Keith Bell, Radiology Dr. William McColgan III, General Surgery Dr. Micahel Spann, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Michael Stanton, General Surgery

One Team. One Promise.